The Second-Best Beach In The Country Is In New Jersey

TIME.com started with over 250 popular beaches around the country and around the world, then narrowed the list using thousands of data points to end up with 7 American and 7 international beaches.

Coming in at Number Two? ASBURY PARK!

2. Asbury Park, New Jersey

Average airfare: $293
Average hotel night: $185
Cost of a week for two: $2,676

Made famous by Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park offers the classic combo of beach and boardwalk. Surfers can be seen riding the waves on this mile-long stretch of the Jersey Shore.

Like most Shore beaches, Asbury Park requires a pass (weekdays $5/weekends $7). If the the sun isn’t cooperating, while away time with a host of nearby family-friendly activities, including the Silverball Museum Arcade (no quarters needed, passes sold staring at $10), which showcases hundreds of antique pinball games.

Looking for fun after the sun goes down? The Stone Pony, one of the area’s biggest music venues, puts on an annual Summer Stage concert series. (This summer’s lineup includes New Found Glory, Boy George and the Culture Club, and Billy Currington.) Restaurants and shops are open late for the monthly “First Saturday Asbury Park.” Swing by Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten for a beer (over 50 on tap) or take in the sunsets from the rooftop bar Salvation (part of The Asbury hotel).

 

I have a real love for Asbury Park, but as far as being the "best beach"? I'm not really sure. The things that TIME cites are more about the town itself than just the beachfront. I would prefer hanging out in Asbury to Seaside or Point Pleasant, but is there really much of a difference in the beaches? You can say that the beach in Belmar is different than Island Beach State Park, sure, but for the most part, sand is sand.

What do you think the state's best beach is?

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